Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer fire extinguisher training?

The Ames Fire
Department provides fire extinguisher training to service groups, companies, and
other organizations. Call Station #1 at 515-239-5415 and the on-duty Captain
would be happy to schedule a training session with our firefighters.

Do you offer tours of the fire stations?

Ames Firefighters are more than happy
to show you around the stations. We just ask that, if possible, you call ahead
to Station #1 at 515-239-5107. The on-duty Shift Commander would be happy to
schedule your group.

How do I contact the Inspection Division?

How do I sign up for emergency notification?

What if my carbon monoxide detector is sounding?

Fire department and other
emergency responders are responsible only for investigating a reported carbon
monoxide problem or a detector activation, evacuating, rendering first aid, and
advising occupants. Emergency responders are not on scene to correct the cause
of the problem.

Carbon Monoxide is an extremely hazardous product. It
should be treated as a hazardous material -- a product which has escaped from
its normal container and threatens life and/or property.

The purpose of
response by emergency personnel is to rescue and remove individuals from a
hazard or assist them in evacuation, render medical care, advise occupants of
findings, and issue a "Notice of Findings Form."

Some of the common
signs are:

Entire Family is sick at
the same time

Flu-like symptoms decrease
while away from the house

Illness is present when
gas appliances are in use

If you are a resident of
Ames and your carbon monoxide detector is sounding alarm or if you are suffering
from some of the common signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, call
9-1-1.

If you would like a carbon
monoxide test and your detector is not sounding, you should contact one of the
local heating and cooling businesses.

What is the burning policy in the City of Ames?

There is no burning of yard waste, brush, or garbage allowed. Click here to read the City of Ames Burning Policy.

When an emergency vehicle is approaching that is displaying emergency lights and sirens, what should I do?

By Iowa law, you are required to pull to the
right and stop. This allows fire apparatus adequate and clear lanes to safely
continue its response.

Who do I call about a fire extinguisher that doesn't work?

The following
locations may accept used and discharged fire extinguishers: Hokel Machine and
the City of Ames Resource Recovery.

Whom do I send electronic Tier II reports?

Why do fire trucks respond to motor vehicle accidents?

There are two reasons. First,
automobile accidents present other hazards such as potential fire, ruptured fuel
tanks, and/or the presence of hazardous materials. Second, firefighters are
trained in extricating (removing) trapped occupants of the vehicle.

Why do firefighters respond to medical calls?

The Ames Firefighters are trained and
certified as Iowa First Responders. We carry medical equipment on our trucks.
We arrive to assist the paramedics. When we arrive first we are able to begin a
patient history, take vitals and size up the scene to transfer the care of the
patient quickly.

Why do I see fire trucks with full lights and sirens go through a red light at intersections and then, after they go through, they turn off their lights and slow down?

Sometimes several units are dispatched to the same incident. The first
arriving unit can assess the situation and call off the unneeded units. They
are then put back in service and ready for other calls.

Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?

Fire apparatus are dispatched
according to information received by the 9-1-1 operator. A structure fire
requires a number of people to do all the assigned tasks. Firefighting teams
are assigned certain responsibilities such as fire suppression, search and
rescue, ventilation, salvage, safety, accountability, and rapid intervention
teams when firefighters become trapped or injured. The Ames Fire Department
would rather be overcautious when they respond to citizens in need of help. We
are always prepared to deal with the worst that could happen. Discovering that
we need more units once we arrive is often too late. We have learned that it is
better to have to much help than not enough.